Home Reading

As you well know, reading is an important part of your child's education. In support of this, the English Montreal School Board has implemented a new 'Balanced Literacy Initiative'. We will begin a home reading and story sacks program to promote this initiative.

The Home Reading program will be based on your child bringing home books from class to be read with an adult. These books will be specifically chosen for their simplicity. By listening to the story, the emergent reader will begin to recognize key words. Spending time together and exploring new words, as well as the new worlds of the books guarantees an enjoyable experience for both of you.

After your child has read a book, please complete one reading log. Please return both the books and the reading log in the zip pouch provided at the end of each week. New books will be issued at the beginning of every week.

The story sack is a large bag that contains items to encourage reading. Each bag focuses on one theme. It may include: props for drama and storytelling, a non-fiction book, a fiction book, a CD, a puzzle and a writing activity.Each child will have a turn to keep the story sack bag FOR TWO NIGHTS. The keeper of the bag is asked to complete all of the activities in the story sack. I also ask that these materials be handled with care, as other young readers will be anxiously waiting their turn with the sack once it has been returned.

I know that the children will benefit from these books and the accompanying activities; studies show that early literacy is extremely important for young children. This program is a great way to help expose your children to rich literature, colorful picture books, print, and new vocabulary. I thank you in advance for your support of this initiative.